AN ACT to aid in the prevention of suicide.

Whereas, suicide is a serious public health problem with irreparable effects on individuals, families, and communities; and

Whereas, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 65; and

Whereas, signage can help increase awareness of suicide prevention and crisis resources, including 988 which has 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health‑related distress; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (DMH), the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in recurring funds for each year of the 2023‑2025 fiscal biennium to be used to establish a grant program that allows an owner, proprietor, local government, or person in control of a garage that has a vertical height above three stories, or 30 feet, to apply for funds to be used to purchase signage providing information on suicide prevention that is to be posted on each floor of the garage above three stories, or 30 feet, in height, in each elevator lobby, and in the stairwell on each floor leading to the top level of the garage. DMH shall develop and post on its website the mechanism by which an applicant may apply for this grant and any design suggestions or requirements for the signage being purchased with any funds awarded.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.